A City's Understanding

Hossana Meus

Fortuna Deus

Aeterna Teus

Mystrie, Morte, Sancte, Pior!

This was the voice of the woman before me. The woman, clad in pure white and her hair like snow. Her immaculate robes flowed in a wind I could not feel. A pair of angelic wings sprouted from her back. We together stood on a tree-ridden mountain. There was no sun on us, but there was no darkness either. Before us was an army of knights, bearing red crosses on their iron chests. They listened to the woman in complete silence. The iron armour I wore fitted me perfectly, not aggravating a single nerve within me.

Fortuna, Hossana meus

Legionus ab comae

Fortuna, fortuna equis

Ad pugnatoris, in veritae

The knights began to slam their spears in the ground with absolute rhythm. There was no end to them. Spears went up and went down as they were all one being. I found myself doing the same. The ring on my finger shone brightly in the absent sun. Was I a general? Was she a goddess? I did not ask these things and continued to play my part in the war chant.

Hossana meus, fortuna deus

Protego causa in sanctus

Aeternus praetor, firmitas semper

Coryphaeus, rex Regis univers

The voice was as angelic as her appearance. My spear made cracks in the ground beneath. Then I saw it. In the far distance, a step pyramid rose from the earth. It was so large that it was almost lost in the distant fog. It had a design like no other. Lines of energy, magic, or whatever it was seemed to pulse through it. None of my comrades paid attention. Instead they joined the goddess's chant.

Prosay solis hossana

Protego sanctus causa

Padre illuminata

Gloria in resurrectum

My lips and voice uttered without my control. I sang with them, like I had been in their legions for many years. My emotions ran without me. I felt victorious. I felt like a huge burden had left my shoulders. Was it the words I was shouting? I did not know their meaning. The ground continued to crack and crumble around me. The sky was turning crimson. There was no sun, but a moon rose in its place. It was not a full moon, but a crescent one.

Prosay solis hossana

Protego sanctus causa

Padre illuminata

Gloria in unum Diem

I continued to shout with the knights. I slammed my spear once more, and the ground gave way. The goddess paid no heed to me and continued to sing. I started to fall. My real feelings clutched at my heart. There was nothing but void below me. As I fell, the distant light became fainter and fainter. The song was still loud as ever. I was no longer singing. The blackness surrounded me as I fell and fell.

Terra tenebrae, telluris malus

Quiseri pere curiatus

Genitor edo, in ex domino

Patris illuminata, rex Regis univers

The blackness ended and was replaced with an orange colour. Old and withered trees began to pass me, or I passed them. I could not tell if I was still falling or if the world was going up. Images began to flash within my iron helmet's visor. An all seeing eye, omnipotent and mysterious. The Assassin insignia, foreboding and vicious. The Templar cross, familiar and intimidating. A clock. A bloody clock that ticked and tocked. A bearded man in a top hat, mocking and cynical.

Prosay solis hossana

Protego sanctus causa

Padre illuminata

Gloria in resurrectum

My body stopped abruptly. I lifted the visor off my face and let the black air sooth my lungs. There was nothing around me. The orange had left. Everything had left. My will to sing, my urge to fight. I stood up. The armour clanged with every movement I made. The black floor actually reflected my image. I could see myself like in a mirror. My chest also bore the cross. I removed my helmet. I was myself alright. The chanting had ceased. I was alone in this plane of the void. I could only hear my own breath and thoughts.

"Well, well, well, you've finally arrived."

I looked about to see where the ghostly voice came from. "Who are you?" I asked the nothingness.

"Heh, I am nothing but your imagination. Wake up, Miss Belle. Wake up and smell the smoke of your ruined Capital."

"Gah!"

I found myself sitting upright in my bed. The sun entered through the curtains of my window. My teeth were chattering and my skin was cold with sweat. I clutched the fabric around my chest. The door opened and my little sister walked through.

"What's wrong Rarity?" She asked.

"Oh, just a bad dream, that's all." I smiled weakly.

"You seem to get those in sufficient amounts these days."

"Yes, I do. Is Mother cooking breakfast, darling? I could certainly use a morsel or two."

Sweetie nodded. "Yeah, she is. I think it's almost ready."

Sweetie turned and left me alone again. I rubbed my forehead in mild frustration. The dreams have been increasing in both frequency and magnitude. All had the basis of the Templar Order and a clock. A bloody clock that ticked and tocked. I did not know why my dreams were so bizarre. I assumed that it was due to my dealings with the secret organisation. Dreams were dreams, nothing but harmless nightmares. I nodded at my self-reassurance and removed the covers from my bed.

"I better start my day. Heh, my first day as an official Templar."

I stood up with soreness in my lower neck. I had no doubt been resting in an awkward position. Just what I needed. I walked over to my closet, my eyes constantly readjusting sleepily. Once I reached my closet, I took down a small wooden box that was on the highest shelf. The sounds of metal rattled from inside it. I glanced to the door to make sure Sweetalia had not come back before opening the box. The box contained my wrist blades. I took them and placed the box back on its shelf, high above the reach of anyone of my sister's size. I rolled up the sleeves of my nightgown and fashioned the devices to my arms. The routine was a simple one, built in my brain through months of repetition. Strap this here, make it not so tight, right and left, pull sleeves over them, test them, and move on.

After that, I changed into more reasonable clothes and went down to the breakfast table. Even though our home was among the richest in the nation, we had no maids or servants. We certainly could have afforded them, but it was my mother's wishes that we did not. She very much enjoyed our previous home and wanted it to remain as close to it as possible. Thus she was baking us our breakfast. Sweet aromas of egg, sausage, and bacon floated to my nose as I entered the dining room. Father was already there, in his nicest suit and reading the Equestria Daily newspaper. My sister was eating her food with utmost delicacy. I could only assume Mother had scolded her earlier about her manners for her to act in such a way. I saw that my plate had already been served and was waiting for me. So I sat down and my father lowered his newspaper.

"Good morning Rarity." My father smiled at me. "I hope you are ready for the meeting today."

"Of course." I replied. "I'll wear my best dress."

"I wouldn't do that, my dear. The risk of it being ruined is...high."

I took his hint with vague understanding. I knew he was referring to the Grandmaster's orders from the previous night. It could have been my lack of sleep that confused me, or I simply did not comprehend him. Father was going to take me to the Palace to see the Templar, that was all I knew. I hesitantly picked up my fork. My mind flashed with the dead couple at the Gala. I silently wished that it was just like the dream I had: fake and imaginary.

"What are you doing today Father?" My sister asked innocently.

"Why, Rarity and I are having a chat with the bankers around here. We decided to meet up and have a talk." Father lied sweetly.

"Then why does Rarity get to go? She could help Mother and I here!"

"Because I wish to inherit the business." I said quickly.

My Father gagged on some egg suddenly. Sweetie and I both jumped back from the loud fright. He pounded on his chest some before regaining his composure. He then nodded with an utterly bewildered expression.

"Yes, yes that's why." He said hoarsely.

"You seem surprised." My sister commented on our dismay.

"It's....uhh...I...She told me before, I forgot. It was just as out of the blue then as it is now."

His tone gave me a hint I could understand. It was the kind of hiss one would make to his friends when he did not want to directly insult them but let them know they made a blunder. A reluctant restraining of oneself. I knew if Sweetie was not present, my father's reaction would have been severe.

"They are impatient men also." My father added. "We should not dilly-dally."

With that, we ate our breakfast in quiet. My father did not wait for me to finish before getting up and acquiring his coat. So I, much to Mother's disapproval, had to wolf down my meal and join him at the door. I was in no way fit for public, but I could tell my father did not care. He reached for his black hat on the rack by the door and then promptly opened the door and stepped out. I chanced the grabbing of my shawl and followed in quick procession. My father and I did not even say goodbye to the others.

"You are not a good liar, Rarity."

"Is not that something to be proud of?"

"Well, that could go both ways."

Father and I went through the streets of the immaculate District. It was much different than our previous home. There were still lovely ladies and handsome men going about, but there were no workers, beggars, or even middle class members. The lowest in class were the maids, drivers, and servants, but even they were adorned with fine garments and full stomachs. The smoke from the factories rarely reached this part of the Capital, thus the sun was being held in its glory far above us. All the buildings were made of thick white stone and golden roofs. No blemishes existed here. Springs of clean water, bluer and clearer than any drinking water found in Canterlot, were at every plaza, intersection, and roadcrossing. None of its precious flowing liquid was used by the residents. They did not need such water since they had their wine and so it went to aesthetics only.

The rumble of a low airship went slowly above our heads and towards the Palace's landing platform. If such an occurrence happened outside the walls, people would watch it with great curiosity and amazement. Here, none even looked up save myself. I watched it float away. Its propellers and turbines rumbled lower and lower as it left us.

The closer we came to the Palace, the more shopkeepers appeared. Each one was unique in is or her way. Not only by their products, but by their fashion. I could point out merchants from the Far East and the Crystal Empire. They were selling clothes, fabrics, electronic devices, steam-powered prosthetics. A salesman had a large man in front of his stall grunting and laughing. The burly man had a prosthetic limb and was demonstrating its sturdiness by lifting a block of iron in the air. By his haircut, I could tell the man was a Royal Guard veteran. He must have lost his arm on the borders of the nation. Another salesman was selling an electronic hairbrush. The brush appeared more like a morningstar though. It looked like it would give one more pain than pleasure.

"You really need to work on your lying skills." Father muttered as he pushed a man out of our way.

"I will try Father. I know you do not want Sweetie to become involved with the war. I simply thought I would help you avoid that."

He placed a hand on my shoulder. "I know your intentions were good, my dear. Just let me handle her from now on."

"Of course."

We reached the Palace and went up the large stairs. A woman walked down the steps to us. From the bushiness of her golden hair, I could tell instantly that it was Adagio the Siren. We continued walking when we met her. She walked beside us with a devious grin on her face.

"Glad of you two to join us." She said. "We have already begun our interrogation on the Assassin. So far, our results have not been promising."

"Interrogation?" I asked.

"Yes, we have that Assassin, Sommerset, down in the dungeons below the Palace. It is our first move against the Brotherhood. They have started the war up again, and we must retaliate."

"Father, you knew of this?" I asked him.

My father sighed. "Yes, that's why I did not want you to wear a nice dress. You could get it messy."

Below the Palace was anything but lovely. It was as if the Royalty ran out of luxury and left the dungeons in horrendous filth and neglect. That or they purposely made the dungeons less than wretched for the inhabitants. I pinched my nose as Father, Adagio, and I walked through the tight halls. The dust and  smells disgusted me to no end. Royal Guards saluted us as we passed. Their steaming suits made me sweat when I was close to them. It was the first time I realized how much comfort they sacrificed to use the suits. In the open air, I never felt the heat from them, but in the tight halls, it was unavoidable.

"This way." Adagio said.

We entered a large elevator. The operator saluted us before shutting the door and commencing our descent. Father adjusted his collar silently. I felt a wave of anxiety rush over me as we went down. I reached in my bag and pulled out my new Templar ring. The location we were in felt hostile to one like myself. I did not belong in such a place. However, I did swear an oath to aid the Order in whatever way I could. The Order was much more than a ring or symbol, thus I had to be more than just Rarity, the girl born with wealth. Father trained me to be ready for whatever I was needed of me. Some dirt and dust shouldn't compromise me.....I hope.

"How has she been so far?" Father asked the Siren.

"Heh, stubborn as always." Adagio nodded. "I don't know how the Assassins keep getting such resilient followers. We gave it to Nata at first. You know, the polite 'good' start. Sommerset didn't fall for it. So then we gave it to Aria. Bloodied her up a bit but got nothing. So now it's my turn. I said 'to Hell with it' and gave her to the Royal Soldiers. I just hope she doesn't drown."

The elevator came to a screeching halt. The operator pulled a lever that opened the door. We walked into a hallway not unlike what was above. Adagio was the first to step out, followed by me since Father let me go first. The operator tipped his hat and closed to door to return to halls above us. Adagio had some light skip in her gait now. The lower we went below the Palace, the happier she seemed to become. The Siren turned around and walked backwards. a large grin was on her face. The sounds of a woman wailing and gagging could be heard in a room we were approaching. The Siren clapped her hands together and stopped in front of the room's doorway. She then gestured at the open door.

"Well, Master Belle and Mistress Belle, meet Miss Somerset."

Father and I peeked around the corner. The room was empty except for two Royal Soldiers holding a young woman with red and yellow hair. The woman, who was obviously the Assassin, gasped for air before the two soldiers pushed her head back under the water that was before her. The Assassin struggled but the soldiers forcibly kept her in place.

"How many times have they done that?" Father casually asked Adagio.

"Seventh round, this 'un!" One of the soldiers answered.

"Eyah, she is a stubborn one." The other laughed.

Father walked in the room. I followed him reluctantly. The scene was horrifying to me. Adagio was enjoying it and the soldiers were too. I could not tell about Father. His demeanor seemed a forced calmness. The soldiers pulled Sommerset out of the water. Her face was covered in dirt and dried blood. She coughed out some water.

"Ya ready yet?" A soldier asked her mockingly.

"All ya need to say is yes." The other said.

She only coughed up more water. The soldiers shrugged and dunked her head back in for another round. Father slammed his cane into the stone, creating a loud ring that echoed through the barren halls. The soldiers glanced at him.

"Enough. Your job is done." Father coldly told them.

The soldiers paused their torture to stare at Father in disgust and restrained anger. It was clear they did not like taking orders and thus did so with as much profound immaturity as possible. One even spat at the ground before nodding in mock respect.

"Alright...sir." The soldier snarled.

The two soldiers let go of the Assassin and walked out. Sommerset fell out of the water. Her hands were chained to the stone next to the water. Her breathing was heavy and she coughed occasionally. She tested the strength of the chains a couple of times before accepting that she was to remain there in such an uncomfortable position. She could not even turn around to look at Father or me. A growl emitted from her lips. She whipped her curly hair back slightly.

"Well, good to see you Belle." She muttered.

"I am truly sorry they did that to you, dear." Father said sincerely. He then turned to Adagio. "It's the last time I will let an untrustworthy malevolent simpleton handle the interrogations."

"Point taken Sire of Bitchingham." Adagio rudely bowed and left.

Father stared at the Siren until she was out of sight and then turned to the Assassin. He handed me his cane and then rolled up his sleeves. My heart leaped for I thought he was going to further injure the young woman. I sighed in relief when he did it to free her wrists from the chains. Sommerset let her arms fall to her sides. She did not have the strength to stand up and sat on the filthy floor. She did not utter a thanks to my father and merely looked at both of us. I could now see her full face. If there was not any bruises or cuts on her face, I believe she could be mistaken for Royalty. She had the eyes, hair, and shape of a woman born of high class. She was unlike Dr. Turner as she had some fashion sense. Her Assassin robes were torn and aged, but they had a theme to them and suited her nicely. I could see myself in this young woman.

Sommerset pointed weakly at me. "I haven't seen you before. Are you new?"

Father patted me on the shoulder. "She is my daughter, Rarity. Yes, she is quite new in this Order."

"Bloody Hell, they are reproducing now." The Assassin uttered with a slight smile. "Listen Rare, you're on the wrong side. The Assassins are way better than these old shites. You should switch sides."

"Hmph!" I huffed. "You Assassins do not deserve me. You all kill and produce violence in the Capital."

She weakly laughed. "Is that what he tells you? Of course. Just remember that when one of your pals stab you in the back. Literally."

Father cleared his throat. "Alright Miss Sommerset. It's time we ask you questions. I am sorry again for how they treated you; we however, are much more humane."

"Can't you give a girl a break?" She asked.

"Not yet. You have nothing to fear. Just answer honestly. Now, where is the Assassin Den?"

"I'll give you the answer I've given everyone. I don't know. The Brotherhood is always moving. Den here, Den there, then to Hell I know. I'm been locked up for over 5 months! No contact, no nothing. They could be anywhere in the Capital. Cause we don't just sit in the richest part of town and wait for them to find us. You know, like some people."

"Is there any way for you to find them?" I asked. "There has to be some secret way to communicate with your Brothers."

"Hmph, why would I tell you that? Well, there is not anything like that. When Assassins are caught, they stay caught. We don't give ourselves too much information just in case we are captured. I know very little of their plans. And with the news that Charles Tirek being the new leader of the Nationalists, the plans have no doubt changed." The Assassin spat at the end of her sentence.

"You don't like Tirek do you?" Father asked in his calm voice.

"Of course not!" She snapped back. "He's a horrid fool! I don't know why the Nationalists elected him. His brother was a coward, yes, but he had some sense. Sir Tirek is all emotion and no strategy. Expect some wild attacks in next days."

"If you hate him so much, why do you Assassins work with him?"

"We don't! Anyone who says otherwise is talking bollocks. Well, some may be with him, but I'm certainly not. Scorpan was our man, our puppet over them. Tirek is his own. Ya see the difference between the Nationalists and Assassins is that we want to take the Templar down with as few casualties as possible, the Nationalists want to tear down the whole Royalty."

Father smiled at this. It was a crafty and mischievous smile. It unnerved me slightly and I could only look at him worriedly. He leaned close to Sommerset, his grin held in place.

"I see you are not one with Nationalists. I respect that. We Templar see you as worthy adversaries in all of your...ways. But, we may not be so different. You seek our destruction and we seek yours, but I say we have a common enemy. The Nationalists are a threat to this Capital, and thus a threat to your precious Creed. We both want the people of Equestria to be safe and well-off. With the Nationalists put down, we can restore this Capital to its former glory. What say you, Miss Sommerset?"

"The Assassins are never going to help you." She growled in reply.

Father chuckled. "Not the Assassins, darling, but you. You can help us knock off the Nationalists. I hear you are a trained marksman, or markswoman I should say. We will give you your freedom if you will help us with your...skills. The Assassins will never know."

Sommerset remained silent. I could tell she was thinking it over carefully. Father stood up and patted me on the shoulder, indicating that we were done here and he walked out of the room. I was reluctant to leave the poor woman in such a state, but I hurried after my father nonetheless. The last image of mind remained in my head after leaving it. It was a face of defeat and hopelessness. If the Assassins were such monsters, then why did I pity her so?"

The trip out of the Palace went unnoticed as I contemplated the last hour. Father said nothing until we were on the steps of the Palace. I believe noon had come and gone by then, as the sun was as bright as ever. I had to pull out my hand fan to keep my face from sweating from the heat. When Father parted his dry lips, I turned my head to face him, almost being blinded by the sun behind him.

"I hope that wasn't too much for you, my dear. These situations can become vile at times."

I did not answer. It was not that I did not want to, but just that I could not find any words to describe what I was feeling. There was no doubt that I was confused by it all, but I did not feel disgusted either. Or maybe I did and refused to realise it.

My father suddenly stopped with a foot floating in the air above a step. His face was stoic and his body still. The action was so unusual that I stood there hesitantly before following his gaze to a man at the base of the stairs. I knew the man even from that distance and my heart almost caused me to leap and fly away in fear. But it was also fear that held me there as the man approached.

"Good afternoon Master Belle." Dr. Turner said with a soothing and warm voice. "I see Miss Belle is with you, pardon my ill-manners."

Turner removed his brown bowler hat and held it at his side. He was in a long brown trench coat with black military gloves and matching pants that crept over the tops of his brown work boots. Under the unbuttoned coat was a grey vest and darker grey shirt. He was much more fashionable than our first meeting, but I still could not warm up to the Assassin.

"Dr. Turner," Father extended a hand. "I see you are doing well. What brings you here?"

Turner shook the hand quickly. "I was just in the area and saw you, that's all. I can't go by one like you without saying 'hello.' And I thought that your daughter would be pleased to see me. We had a lovely dance at the Gala."

"Oh you bold ruffian!" I exclaimed. "What is your true intention for meeting us?"

He raised a brow at me in mischievous delight. "I do not lie, Miss Belle. I swear by the Creed that I speak the truth. Just because I am an Assassin does not mean I should be rude to my adversaries. I am sure you understand. But I do know why you are here. Sunny is cooped up in there, isn't she?"

"Indeed." Father nodded. "We had a talk with her. I assure you that she is doing well."

"That is good to hear." Turner smiled. "No one should mistreat such a lady. Especially in a time where such politeness is hard to find."

"Talking about the times," Father changed the subject. "Why did your Brotherhood elect Sir Tirek as your leader?"

Turner's face hardened slightly but his voice was still in the most happy of tunes. "I must correct you; the Brotherhood had no vote in the manner, only the Nationalists. My Brothers and I greatly disapprove of him. He is as violent and reckless as he is cunning and charismatic, along with his witch, Christina Silas. I say it's a step backwards from what we are trying to achieve."

"That is unfortunate." Father said without sincere care.

Turner twitched at my father's apathy. "May I speak with your daughter for a moment?"

"You know I can't let you be alone together." Father's jaw tightened.

"I will not harm her. You have my word." He placed a dramatic hand on his heart.

I heard a low growl emit from my father but he nodded and continued his trek down the stairs, leaving me with the Assassin. I wished desperately to chase after Father, but etiquette told me to stay. Turner sighed and smiled at me like we weren't enemies.

"It was a nice dance." He said. "I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did."

"I enjoyed stomping on your foot." The words made me bolder with each syllable.

He made a sly, one-noted chuckle that reminded me of who I was dealing with. He saw no threat in me even with the knowledge that I was armed with the same weapons as him. It was so aggravating that I crossed my arms and relaxed my posture to one side, totally negating the proper way I should carry myself.

"I'm sure plenty of ladies would enjoy stomping my foot." After seeing my face he continued. "But you did not answer my question. The answer does not need to be elaborate. I only have a minute to spare." He showed me his watch.

"I cannot say that I did not enjoy it." I began. "Though if I knew you were an Assassin from the start, I would not have allowed you to take my hand in the first place."

"But you are glad you did no? You are young in this war and naive when it comes to what's happening in this city. It takes a true understanding to even comprehend the terrors of our time. Do not let the machines and the wealthy facade you live in tell you otherwise. A simple dance should not upset you if you knew what was going on beyond those walls. I'll show you some time."

"Like you will ever abduct me."

"Who said I would abduct you?" He grinned, and with a glance at his watch, began to back away. "I must be going. 'Til we meet again, Miss Belle. Au revoir!"

He placed his hat on and hurried off in a jog. I followed him with my eyes until he reached a building, which he began to climb like a monkey. I had never seen such skill before and I knew now how he escaped the Palace the night before. No one else seemed to notice the Assassin acrobat and he disappeared over a roof.

"Oh what am I dealing with?" I asked myself before heading down the steps.